To be able to answer this question properly, let's put it in context with the rest of the story. The short story "Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy tells of a king who wants to succeed in everything he does. To assist him in this goal, he offers a...
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great reward for the correct answers to three questions concerning the right time to perform tasks, the necessary people to listen to, and the most important things to do. Although many people come to give him counsel and claim the reward, he is satisfied with none of their answers.
The king decides to visit a wise hermit who lives in the woods. Instead of answering the questions, though, the hermit continues digging in the ground. For hours the king and the hermit work together.
Near sunset a bearded man comes running out of the trees. The man is injured in his stomach, from which blood is flowing. The king washes and bandages the large wound and brings the man fresh water to drink. The hermit and the king then carry the man into the hermit's hut. Exhausted, the king falls asleep on the threshold. In the morning, when the king awakens, the bearded man asks for forgiveness. While on his way to kill the king, he had been wounded by the king's bodyguards. Because the king has saved his life, the bearded man pledges his loyalty to the king. In turn, the king promises to send the man medical assistance and restore the man's property.
Through the king's experience with the hermit as well as the incident with the bearded man, the hermit is able to teach the king that the most important time is always now, the most important person is the one you are with, and the most important task is to do good to others.